Sprung gate valves movable by an actuator

ABSTRACT

Valves having a sprung gate of various constructions are disclosed. In one embodiment, the sprung gate includes a first endless elastic band having an inner perimeter defining an open space sandwiched between a first gate member and a second gate member that each define an opening therethrough in an open position portion thereof. The first endless elastic band is sandwiched therebetween with its open space oriented for alignment with the opening in both of the first and second gate members, which are aligned with one another to form a passage through the sprung gate. In one aspect, the first endless elastic band in positioned inward a distance from the outer sides of the first and second gate members and spaces the first gate member a distance apart from the second gate member thereby defining a channel having a bottom defined by the first endless elastic band.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.15/820,840, filed Nov. 22, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat.No. 9,845,899, issued Dec. 19, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/829,463, filed May 31, 2013, which isincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to sprung gate valves, more particularly to theconstruction of the sprung gate, which includes an endless elastic bandbetween first and second gate members positioned to space them apartfrom one another a distance thereby defining a channel for fluid flow.

BACKGROUND

In the valve mechanism disclosed herein in FIGS. 2-4 it was discoveredthat there was more leak of fluid past the gate than suitable for someengine systems. Accordingly, there was a need to solve this problem witha gate that reduced the leak past the gate, which may act to lift thegate and interfere with an actuators control of the gate's movement,and/or allows for venting fluid from the pocket in which the gate isseated, in particular the pressurized air present if the valve mechanismis used in a boosted engine application.

The sprung gates disclosed herein solve these problems.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, valves having a sprung gate of various constructions aredisclosed. In one embodiment, the sprung gate includes a first endlesselastic band having an inner perimeter defining an open space sandwichedbetween a first gate member and a second gate member that each define anopening therethrough in an open position portion thereof. The firstendless elastic band is sandwiched therebetween with its open spaceoriented for alignment with the opening in both of the first and secondgate members, which are aligned with one another to form a passagethrough the sprung gate. In one aspect, the first endless elastic bandin positioned inward a distance from the outer sides of the first andsecond gate members and spaces the first gate member a distance apartfrom the second gate member thereby defining a channel having a bottomdefined by the first endless elastic band. The endless elastic band isgenerally an oval-shaped or generally 8-shaped. An endless elastic bandenhances the seal of the sprung gate without adding excessive frictionalhysteresis to the actuator.

In another aspect, the sprung gate includes a first endless elastic bandhaving an inner perimeter defining an open space sandwiched between afirst gate member and a second gate member that each define an openingtherethrough in an open position portion thereof. The open space of theendless elastic band is oriented for alignment with the opening in bothof the first and second gate members, which are aligned with one anotherto form a passage through the sprung gate. In this embodiment the firstgate member also defines a second opening therethrough in a closedposition portion thereof, which is aligned with a substantiallycontinuous surface of an other member of the sprung gate. The othermember may be the second gate member or an inner gate member. When theother member is the second gate member, the second gate member, in aclosed position portion thereof, includes a plug projecting from itsinner surface toward the second opening in the first gate member. Whenthe other member is an inner gate member, the inner gate member definesan opening therethrough aligned with the openings in the open positionportions of the first and second gate members and has substantiallycontinuous exterior surfaces on opposing sides of a closed positionportion thereof.

In another aspect, devices having such sprung gates are disclosed. Thedevices include a valve mechanism having a conduit separated into afirst section and a second section by a pocket having one of the sprunggates described herein seated therein, and an actuator connected to thesprung gate to move the sprung gate between an open position and aclosed position. In one embodiment, the actuator includes a rigid pistonthat is at least partially pneumatically activated. In anotherembodiment, the actuator is a snap actuator as described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a snap actuatorand valve.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the snap actuator and valve of FIG.1 taken along the longitudinal axis of the conduit portion of the valvewith the valve in a starting position.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the snap actuator and valvetransvers to the longitudinal axis of the conduit through the gatemember, with the valve in a starting position.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the snap actuator and valvetransvers to the longitudinal axis of the conduit through the gatemember, with the valve in a secondary position.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a snapactuator and valve.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-section of another embodiment of a snapactuator and valve having a sprung gate member and a vent port in fluidcommunication with the pocket housing the sprung gate member.

FIGS. 7-9 are a side perspective view, a bottom view, and a sideperspective exploded view, respectively, of one embodiment of a sprunggate member.

FIGS. 10-11 are a side perspective view and a side perspective explodedview, respectively, of another embodiment of a sprung gate member.

FIGS. 12-14 are a side perspective view, a front view, and alongitudinal cross-section of yet another embodiment of a sprung gatemember.

FIG. 15 is an embodiment for a bellowed, endless elastic band.

FIG. 16 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the bellowed, endlesselastic band of FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description will illustrate the generalprinciples of the invention, examples of which are additionallyillustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, likereference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

As used herein “fluid” means any liquid, suspension, colloid, gas,plasma, or combinations thereof.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate one embodiment of a device 100 for use in aninternal combustion engine, in particular as part of a brake vacuumboost system. The device 100 includes a housing 102 that may include acontainer portion 130 and a cap 132 defining an internal chamber 103 andhaving a port 108 in fluid communication with the chamber 103. As seenin FIGS. 1 and 2, the port 108 enters the housing 102 through thecontainer portion 130. However, in the alternate embodiment illustratedin FIG. 6, the housing 102′ again includes a container portion 130 and acap 132, but here the port 108′ enters the housing 102′ through the cap132. Preferably, the cap 132 is sealingly connected to the containerportion 130.

Referring to FIGS. 2-4, housed within the chamber 103 is an actuator 104that includes a piston 110 having a stem 114 connectable to a valvemechanism 120. The stem 114 has a proximal end 152 (which may bereferred to herein as the coupling end) proximate to the valve mechanism120 and a distal end 154 removed from the valve mechanism 120 (labeledin FIG. 2). The valve mechanism 120, in this embodiment, includes aconduit 122 having a valve opening 124 and a pocket 126 and includes agate member 128 at least partially receivable in the pocket 126 andhaving a passage 129 therethrough. As seen in FIG. 2, the pocket 126separates the conduit 122 into a first section 123 a and a secondsection 123 b. Other valves may be connected to the actuator 104 such asa poppet valve, a butterfly valve, or other known valves.

As seen in FIG. 2, the conduit 122 may be a tube that continuously,gradually tapers or narrows from both ends toward the valve opening 124,thereby having its smallest inner diameter at the valve opening 124.This hour glass-shaped cross-section 125, centered at the valve opening124, reduces the friction force acting on the surfaces of the gatemember 128 during its opening. This gradual narrowing of the conduit 122also minimizes the pressure drop across the valve. In anotherembodiment, as seen in FIG. 5, the conduit 122 may have a uniform innerdiameter 127 along its entire length.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, with the valve mechanism 120 having agate member 128, the gate member 128 is connected to the piston 110 by arail system 160 providing sliding movement of the gate member 128 alongthe longitudinal axis A (FIG. 2) of the conduit 122 thereby forming aseal within the conduit 122 in response to pressure within the conduit122. The rail system 160 (best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4) includes a guiderail 162 near the proximal end 152 of stem 114. The guide rail 162includes raceway grooves 164 on opposing sides thereof. The gate member128 includes a slider 166 shaped and configured to fit over the guiderail 162 and conform to the raceway grooves 164.

The actuator 104 controls the opening and closing of the valve mechanism120, in particular the gate member 128, in FIGS. 2-4, by the movement ofthe piston 110. As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the piston 110 is movablebetween a starting position 140 (FIG. 3) and a secondary position 142(FIG. 4). The starting position 140 in this embodiment (FIG. 3) is anopen position of the valve mechanism 120. In other embodiments, thestarting position may be a closed position of the valve. The piston 110at least partially includes a magnetically-attractable material 111 (oris made of such material) such that the piston 110 is attractable to afirst magnet 116 and a second magnet 118 (seen in the cross-section ofFIG. 2). A spring 112 is seated against the piston 110 to bias thepiston 110 generally into the starting position 140 and the first magnet116 is positioned to assist the spring 112 in maintaining the piston 110in the starting position 140. The second magnet 118 is positioned tomaintain the piston 110 in the secondary position 142 (FIG. 4), when thepiston 110 moves to the secondary position 142.

The stem 114 of the piston may also extend therefrom opposite the valvemechanism, and, as seen in FIGS. 2-4, be received in a guide channel 146within the cap 132. The cap 132 may also include a seat 148 for thespring 112. These features of the cap 132 provide alignment to theactuator and prevent twisting and/or buckling of the spring and piston.

The actuator 104 may include a first bumper 138 positioned to reducenoise between the piston 110 and the housing 102 when arriving in thestarting position 140 and a second bumper 139 positioned to reduce noisebetween the piston 110 and the housing 102 when arriving in thesecondary position 142. The first bumper 138 may also be positioned toseal the opening 150 between the housing 102 and the valve mechanism 120(see FIGS. 2 and 4). In one embodiment, opening 150 may be defined by agenerally frustoconical surface. The first and second bumpers 138, 139may be seated in annular grooves within the housing 102 or on acomponent of the piston 110, such as the stem 114.

Still referring to FIGS. 2-4, the piston 110 may also include a sealingmember 134 about its outer periphery as a lip seal against the interiorsurface of chamber 103. The outer periphery of the piston 110 mayinclude an annular groove 136 in which to seat the sealing member 134.In one embodiment, the sealing member 134 may be an O-ring, a V-ring, oran X-ring. Alternately, the sealing member 134 may be any other annularseal made of sealing material for sealing engagement against anothermember.

In operation, the actuator 104 moves the piston 110 by the introductionof fluid into or the removal of fluid from the chamber 103 via the port108 and the assistance of the magnets 116, 118. The piston 110 is seatedin a starting position 140 (FIG. 3) and remains in this position heldthere by the spring force and the magnetic force of the first magnet116, which may correspond to either an open or a closed position for anattached valve, until a threshold force is applied to the piston 110that overcomes the spring force and magnetic force of the first magnet.Once this threshold force is reached, the piston 110 will move the fulllength of its travel to its secondary position 142 (FIG. 4) with theassistance of the magnetic force of the second magnet, which thereaftermaintains the piston 110 in the secondary position 142. The movement ofthe piston 110 through its full length of travel is a quick, nearlyinstantaneous movement substantially without pause therebetween, i.e.,there is no lag or floating of the piston in between the startingposition 140 and the secondary position 142, which may be described as a“snap” movement of the piston. This “snap,” which without bumpers is anaudible sound, is a result of the magnetic attraction of the secondmagnet 118 for the piston 110, which acts to quickly move the piston tothe secondary position 142. The second magnet 118 thereafter holds ormaintains the piston 110 in the secondary position until a lowerthreshold force is reached, at which point the piston moves back to itsstarting position 140 by again moving the full length of its travel as asnap-type movement.

The movement of the piston from its starting position to its secondaryposition may be described as a “snap” movement. This “snap” is a quick,nearly instantaneous movement of the piston the full length of itstravel between the starting and secondary positions without a lag orfloating of the piston therebetween. The “snap” action of the actuatoras it travels between the starting position and the secondary positionis facilitated by the presence of the magnets, which attract and pullthe piston between the two positions. This is such a quick movement thatwithout bumpers to reduce the noise, a snap-like sound can be heard asthe piston contacts the housing as it arrives in the alternate position,which depending on the configuration of the actuator may be an “on” oran “off” position of the attached valve.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a valve device, generallydesignated as reference 200, for use in an internal combustion engine.The device 200 includes a housing 102 that may include a containerportion 130 and a cap 132 defining an internal chamber 103 and having aport 108 in fluid communication with the chamber 103. As seen in FIG. 6,the port 108 enters the housing 102 through the container portion 130and the cap portion 132, but is not limited thereto. As illustrated inalternate embodiments herein, the port 108 may enter through either thecontainer portion 130 or the cap portion 132 individually. Housed withinthe chamber 103 is an actuator 104 that includes a piston 110 having astem 114 connectable to a valve mechanism 120, a spring 112 for biasingthe piston 110 into a first position, and one or more magnets 116 formagnetically attracting the piston 110, as described above.

The device 200 may include a position sensor 92 to sense the position ofthe piston 110 and allow for feedback to a controller (not shown) thatcontrols the fluid flow through port 108 into chamber 103. The positionsensor may be as described in U.S. Provisional Application No.61/662,255, incorporated herein by reference for all that it disclosesabout position sensors and their application in actuators.

The valve mechanism 120 in FIG. 6 includes a conduit 122 having a valveopening 124 and a pocket 126 and includes a sprung gate 228 at leastpartially receivable in the pocket 126 and having a passage 229 passingthrough the sprung gate 228. The sprung gate 228 is moveable linearlywithin pocket 126 in response to the linear movement of the piston 110to move the sprung gate 228 between an open position (see FIG. 3) and aclosed position (see FIG. 4) within the conduit 122. The conduit 122 isas described above. The valve opening 124 of the conduit may be amaximum of about 2 inches (50.8 mm) in diameter. In another embodiment,the valve opening 124 is about 1 inch (25.4 mm) in diameter or less. Inanother embodiment, the valve opening 124 is about 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) indiameter or less. In another embodiment, the valve opening isdimensioned to have a diameter between about 0.25 inch (6.35 mm) andabout 0.5 inch (12.7 mm).

Referring to FIGS. 7-9, one embodiment of a sprung gate, generallydesignated as reference number 228, is illustrated. The sprung gate 228includes a first gate member 230, a second gate member 232, and anendless elastic band 234 received between the first and second gatemembers 230, 232. The endless elastic band 234 may be described as beingsandwiched between the first and second gate members 230, 232. As seenin FIG. 9, the second gate member 232 includes a track 236, forreceiving a portion of the endless elastic band, as a portion of itsinterior surface 252. While not visible in FIGS. 7-9, the first gatemember 230 also includes a track 236. In one embodiment, the elasticmaterial is a natural or synthetic rubber.

The first and second gate members 230, 232 may be the same orsubstantially similar members, but are not limited thereto. Asillustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9 the first and second gate members 230, 232are the same and can either be the left or the right side of the gate228, as oriented relative to the page upon which the figures areprinted. This allows similar performance of the valve regardless of thedirection of fluid flow in the conduit 122.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 9, the first and the second gate members 230,232 both have an opening 233 therein that defines a portion of passage229. In an open position, such as illustrated in FIG. 6, the passage 229through the sprung gate 228 is aligned with the conduit 122 to allowfluid to flow therethrough. The portion of the gate having passage 229is referred to herein as the open position portion 240 (FIG. 7), and theadjacent portion, located opposite the slider 266, is referred to as theclosed position portion 242 because this portion of the gate 228, whenmoved to a closed position obstructs the conduit 122 to prevent fluidflow therethrough. The closed position portion 242 of each gate member230, 232 has a substantially smooth continuous exterior surface 250.

Here, the endless elastic band 234 is generally oval shaped and therebyincludes an inner perimeter 282 defining an open space, an outerperimeter 284, and opposing first and second sides 286, 288. The endlesselastic band 234 is received in the tracks 236 of the first and secondgate members 230, 232 with the first side 286 received in one track 236and the second side 288 received in the other track 236. When theendless band 234 is seated in the tracks 236 of the first and secondgate members 230, 232 the first and the second gate members 230, 232 arespaced apart from one another by a distance D (FIG. 7). The tracks 236are positioned to inset the endless elastic band 234 a distance from theouter perimeter of the gate members as well. As seen in FIG. 8, thisconstruction defines a channel 254 around the outer surface of theendless elastic band 234 between the first and second gate members 230,232 for fluid flow around the sprung gate 228 within the pocket 126 forfluid communication with a vent port 170 shown in FIG. 6. This ventingvia channel 254 is generally perpendicular to the direction of fluidflow through the conduit 122 and vents fluid from the pocket 126 as thegate moves more fully into the pocket.

The endless elastic band 234 is compressible between the first and thesecond gate members 230, 232 and therefore functions as a spring actingparallel to the direction of flow through the conduit 122. The endlesselastic band 234 biases the first and second gate members into a sealingengagement with opposing walls of the pocket 126. Additionally, theendless elastic band 234 is expandable radially outward in response toforces applied to the endless elastic band 234 by the fluid flowingthrough the conduit to form a seal between the endless elastic band 234and the outer wall portion of the tracks 236 in the first and secondgate members 230, 232.

In operation, in the open position as illustrated in FIG. 6, the fluidflowing through the conduit, whether flowing left to right or right toleft, passes through passage 229 in the sprung gate 228 and the pressureof the fluid provides a force acting on the endless elastic band 234directed radially outward thereby pressing the endless elastic band intosealing engagement with the outer perimeter of the tracks 236. Thissealing engagement reduces or prevents fluid leakage into the actuator,which renders the gate 228 in the embodiment of FIGS. 7-9 more leakresistant than the gate member illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, which is asingle-bodied, rigid gate. This embodiment is particularly suited foruse with naturally aspirated engines, in particular with air flowing atatmospheric or sub-atmospheric pressures through the conduit 122.However, in an embodiment where the conduit 122 is connected to theboost pressure side of a supercharged air intake system, the leakprotection provided by the endless elastic band 234 aides in preventingthe fluid flowing through the conduit 122 from generating pressureswithin the pocket 126 which could act to push the sprung gate 228 (andhence the piston 110) to another position or otherwise impede controlledmovement thereof. The pressures in the supercharged engine, andexperienced by the sprung gate 228 generally range between about 5 psiand about 30 psi.

The endless elastic band 234 also produces a gate that is less sensitiveto manufacturing tolerances, in particular with respect to thedimensions of pocket 126 and the thickness of the gate members 230, 232because of the presence of the endless elastic band 234. The pocket 126is typically formed to have a width that is smaller than the unloadedwidth of the sprung gate 228 so as to produce an interference fit. Inthe sprung gate 228, the endless elastic band 234 becomes compressedbetween the first and second gate members 230, 232 as the sprung gate228 is inserted into the pocket 126. The endless elastic band's biasingaction on the first and second gate members 230, 232 when inserted(wedged) into the pocket 126 biases or presses each respective gatemember into a sealing engagement with a wall of the pocket to reduce orprevent leaks. Most importantly, the substantially lower modulus ofelasticity of the endless elastic band versus that of the rigid gatemembers 230, 232, or that of a single rigid gate, means that the normalforces acting upon the sprung gate 228 and resisting linear movement ofthe assembly along its path are substantially less. This reduces thefrictional forces (Frictional force is equal to the normal force timesthe coefficient of friction) and thus the required solenoid operatingforce. This benefit is equally applicable to the other embodimentsdescribed below.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, a second embodiment of a sprung gate,generally designated as reference number 228′, is provided, thatsimilarly to FIGS. 7-9, includes a first gate member 230′, a second gatemember 232′, and an endless elastic band 235 received between the firstand second gate members 230′, 232′. The endless elastic band 235 may bedescribed as being sandwiched between the first and second gate members230′, 232′. As seen in FIG. 9, the second gate member 232′ includes atrack 237 as a portion of its interior surface 252′ for receiving aportion of the endless elastic band 235. While not visible in FIGS. 10and 11, the first gate member 230′ also includes a track 237. Both gatemembers 230′, 232′ also include a slider 266′ for slidingly connectingthe gate 228′ to a coupling end 152 of the piston 110 (FIG. 6) asdescribed above.

Here, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the endless elastic band 235 isgenerally a figure-eight shaped band of elastic material and therebyincludes a first inner perimeter 272 defining a first open space, asecond inner perimeter 273 defining a second open space, an outerperimeter 274, and opposing first and second sides 276, 278. The endlesselastic band 235 is received in the tracks 237 of the first and secondgate members 230′, 232′ with the first side 276 received in one track237 and the second side 278 received in the other track 237. Since theendless elastic band 235 is figure-eight shaped, the track 237 is alsotypically figure-eight shaped. When the endless band 235 is seated inthe tracks 237 of the first and second gate members 230′, 232′, thefirst and the second gate members 230′, 232′ are spaced apart from oneanother by a distance D′ (FIG. 10). The tracks 237 are positioned torecess the endless elastic band 235 a distance from the outer perimeter(i.e., inward a distance from the outer sides) of the first and secondgate members 230′, 232′ to provide venting as described above withrespect to FIGS. 6-9.

The first and second gate members 230′, 232′ are structurally differentfrom one another, but both have a first opening 233′ therein thatdefines a portion of passage 229 which, in an open position, is alignedwith the conduit 122 to allow fluid to flow therethrough. This portionof the gate is referred to as the open position portion 240′ (FIG. 10),and the adjacent portion thereto, opposite the slider 266′, is referredto as the closed position portion 242′ because this portion of the gate228′, when moved to a closed position, obstructs the conduit 122 toprevent fluid flow therethrough. In this embodiment, the closed positionportion 242′ of the first gate member 230′ includes a second opening 244therethrough. The second opening may be dimensioned substantially thesame as the first opening 233′. The second gate member 232′ does notinclude a second opening in the closed position portion 242′ thereof.Instead, the closed portion 242′ of the second gate member 232′ has asubstantially continuous smooth exterior surface. The second gate member232′ may include a plug 253 projecting from its inner surface 252′. Thisplug 253 fits within the dimensions of the second open space defined bythe endless elastic band 235 and is dimensioned to be at least the sizeof the second opening 244 in the first gate member 230′, which defines asmaller opening than the second inner perimeter 273 of the endlesselastic band 235. The plug 253 may be a substantially smooth portion ofthe interior surface 252′ of the second gate member 232′.

In the open position, fluid flowing through passage 229 provides a forceacting on the endless elastic band 235 directed radially outward therebypressing the endless elastic band into sealing engagement with the outerperimeter of the tracks 237. This sealing engagement reduces or preventsfluid leakage into the actuator and pocket 126, which renders the sprunggate 228′ in the embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11 more leak resistant thanthe gate member illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4.

In the closed position, the fluid flow in the conduit 122 may be in thedirection toward the side of the sprung gate 228′ defined by the firstgate member 230′. In particular, this orientation of flow is beneficialwhen the conduit 122 is connected to the boost pressure side of asupercharged air intake system and is generally operated to stop boostpressure from flowing therethrough. This is so because the boostpressure passes through the second opening 244 and is directed by theplug 253 toward the second inner perimeter 273 of the endless elasticband 235 to act radially outwardly on the endless elastic band tosealingly engage it against the tracks 237 of the first and second gatemembers 230′, 232′. The presence of the second opening 244 alsominimizes the surface area of the exterior surface of the first gatemember 230′ upon which the boost pressure can apply a force actingparallel to the flow direction within the conduit 122 to axiallycompress the endless elastic band 235. If the boost pressure doescompress the endless elastic band 235 in the axial direction, one of thegate members 230′, 232′ would move closer to the other, decreasing D′,and creating a gap between one wall of the pocket 126 and that gatemember through which fluid could leak. This is an undesirable result.Accordingly, for gate member 228′, it would be undesirable for the boostpressure to flow into the conduit in a direction that would impact thesecond gate member's 232′ substantially continuous smooth exteriorsurface.

Referring now to FIGS. 12-14, a universal sprung gate (operable withflow directed toward either of the first or the second gate members) isillustrated and designated by reference numeral 328. The universalsprung gate 328 has same first gate member 230′ as the embodiment inFIGS. 10 and 11, a second gate member 332 that has the same generalconstruction as the first gate member 230′, an inner gate member 334that provides the obstruction necessary for the closed position, a firstendless elastic band 346 disposed within a track defined between thefirst gate member 230′ and the inner gate member 334, and a secondendless elastic band 348 disposed within a track defined between thesecond gate member 332 and the inner gate member 334. The second gatemember 332, see FIG. 13, includes a first opening 333 in the openposition portion 240′, and a second opening 344 in the closed positionportion 242′ thereof, and may include a slider 366. The inner gatemember 334 includes an opening 336 in an open position portion 240′thereof and has opposing substantially continuous exterior surfacesdefining the closed position portion 242′, which can obstruct the flowof fluid through the conduit when the universal sprung gate 328 is inthe closed position.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 12-14, the figure-eight shaped endlesselastic band is preferred because of the two openings in each of thefirst and second gate members 230′, 332. The figure-eight shaped endlesselastic bands 346, 348 are as described above. Here, the first endlesselastic band 346 is seated both in a first track 352 in the inner gatemember 334 and in a track 237 in the first gate member 230′, which arepreferably in the shape of a figure-eight dimensioned to receive thefirst endless elastic band 346. Similarly, the second endless elasticband 348 is seated both in a second track 354 in the inner gate member334 and in a track 337 in the second gate member 332, which arepreferably in the shape of a figure-eight dimensioned to receive thesecond endless elastic band 348.

In operation, the universal sprung gate 328, in the open position and inthe closed position, operates as described above with respect to thefirst gate member side of the sprung gate 228′ of FIGS. 10 and 11. Theuniversal sprung gate 328 may be used in normally aspirated,supercharged, or turbocharged engines without requiring any particularflow orientation. Its universal nature and the benefit of the reducedsurface area in the closed position portion of each of the first andsecond gate members makes this gate function to seal the gate to reduceor prevent leakage into the piston actuator 100, 200 and pocket 126regardless of the direction of flow through the conduit. This embodimentalso has the benefit of providing a multiple channels 254 around theexterior of the endless elastic band to provide fluid communicationbetween the actuator and the vent port 170 (FIG. 6) as described above.

In each embodiment of the sprung gates disclosed herein, the endlesselastic band was illustrated as a generally smooth band having agenerally rectangular cross-section as seen in FIGS. 6 and 14. Theendless elastic band, however, is not limited to such a construction. Inanother embodiment, the endless elastic band may have a generallyirregular inner and outer surface as seen in FIGS. 15 and 16. In thisembodiment, the endless elastic band, is generally referred to as abellowed, endless elastic band 434, which has an undulating outerperimeter 474 and an inner perimeter 476 oppositely undulating relativethereto. When the endless elastic band 434 has the generally 8-shapedconfiguration, the cross member 435, forming the center of the eight,may also be bellowed. The bellows in the cross member 435 and the mainpart of the band, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, are oriented transverseto the direction of fluid flow through the conduit and, hence, throughthe endless elastic band itself. The bellowed, elastic band 434 isadvantageous because it provides more even compression of the bandbetween the first and second gate members.

Having described the invention in detail and by reference to preferredembodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications andvariations are possible without departing from the scope of theinvention which is defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sprung gate for a valve comprising: a firstendless elastic band having an inner perimeter defining an open space; asecond endless elastic band having an inner perimeter defining an openspace; a first gate member, an inner gate member, and a second gatemember each defining an opening therethrough in an open position portionthereof; wherein the open space of each of the first and second endlesselastic bands and the opening in each of the first gate member, theinner gate member, and the second gate member are aligned to form apassage through the sprung gate; wherein the first endless elastic bandis sandwiched between the first gate member and the inner gate memberand the second endless elastic band is sandwiched between the secondgate member and the inner gate member at an orientation in which each ofthe first and second endless elastic bands functions as a spring actingparallel to a direction of flow through the passage; wherein the firstendless elastic band, the second endless elastic band, the first gatemember, the inner gate member, and the second gate member are configuredto collectively move linearly together within a valve.
 2. The sprunggate of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second gatemembers define a second opening therethrough in a closed positionportion thereof, and wherein the inner gate member has continuousexterior surfaces on opposing sides of a closed position portionthereof, which is aligned with the second openings in the at least oneof the first and second gate members.
 3. The sprung gate of claim 1,wherein each of the first endless elastic band and the second endlesselastic band is generally oval-shaped or is generally 8-shaped.
 4. Thesprung gate of claim 3, wherein each of the first and second endlesselastic bands are a bellowed elastic band, wherein the bellows areoriented transverse to the direction of flow.
 5. The sprung gate ofclaim 1, wherein the first gate member and the inner gate member eachinclude a first track in which the first endless elastic band is seatedand the second gate member and the inner gate member each include asecond track in which the second endless elastic band is seated, whereinthe first track and the second track of the inner gate member are onopposing sides of the inner gate member.
 6. The sprung gate of claim 1,wherein each of the first and second endless elastic bands are abellowed elastic band, wherein the bellows are oriented transverse tothe direction of flow.
 7. The sprung gate of claim 1, wherein the firstendless elastic band is positioned inward a distance from outer sides ofthe first and second gate members and spaces the first gate member adistance apart from the second gate member.
 8. The sprung gate of claim1, wherein the first gate member, the inner gate member, and the secondgate member each include an actuator connector portion.
 9. The sprunggate of claim 8, wherein each actuator connector portion comprises aslider configured to fit in raceway grooves of a piston.
 10. A devicecomprising: a valve mechanism comprising a conduit separated into afirst section and a second section by a pocket having a sprung gate ofclaim 1 seated therein; and an actuator connected to the sprung gate;wherein the actuator moves the sprung gate between an open position anda closed position.
 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the first andsecond endless elastic bands are each oval-shaped or generally 8-shaped.12. The device of claim 10, wherein the pocket includes a vent port. 13.The device of claim 10, wherein the first and second endless elasticbands each respectively bias the first and second gate members into asealing engagement with opposing walls of the pocket.
 14. The device ofclaim 10, wherein the first gate member and the inner gate member eachinclude a first track in which the first endless elastic band is seatedand the second gate member and the inner gate member each include asecond track in which the second endless elastic band is seated, whereinthe first track and the second track of the inner gate member are onopposing sides of the inner gate member.
 15. The device of claim 10,wherein the actuator includes a piston that is at least partiallypneumatically activated.
 16. The device of claim 15, wherein the firstgate member, the inner gate member, and the second gate member eachinclude a slider that fits in raceway grooves of the piston, wherein thefirst gate member, the inner gate member, and the second gate memberhave a sliding movement along a longitudinal axis of the conduit to forma seal within the conduit in response to pressure within the conduit.